Overpowered, however, by the clamour, the best friends of Napoleon, even his brother Lucien, took the oath.

The resignatory letter of Barras was then handed in, and received with a shout of scorn.

The moment was come; Napoleon, himself, accompanied by four grenadiers, walked into the chamber--the doors remained open, and plumes and swords were visible in dense array behind him.

His grenadiers halted near the door, and he advanced alone towards the centre of the gallery.

Then arose a fierce outcry--_Drawn swords in the sanctuary of the laws! Outlawry! Outlawry! Let him be proclaimed a traitor! Was it for this you gained so many victories ?_ Many members rushed upon the intruder, and, if we may place confidence in his own tale, a Corsican deputy, by name, Arena, aimed a dagger at his throat.